Breakfast

To whomever invented the chocolate-chocolate chip muffin, allow me to extend my gratitude. Through a stroke of brilliance, you have made eating a brownie for breakfast acceptable, and I thank you.

The whole world in her hands

This may be the world's most beautiful yarn. Well, it may be one of many beautiful yarns, but I spent $12 on one hank of it, which is my most expensive purchase so far, so I feel a great affinity towards it. I'm still undecided on how I feel about the utility (or lack thereof) of fingerless gloves, but wrapping my hands in baby alpaca seems a good idea no matter the source.

What a difference a day makes

Monday...
...I was on a beach in Kailua, on Oahu in Hawaii. It was one of three beaches I visited that day. I also ate shrimp from a roadside truck, preceded by a mid-morning shave ice. I wore a swimsuit all day.



Tuesday...
...back in New York. Speaks for itself.

The funny thing is, I find it all beautiful. Both are inspiring. New York has its relaxing moments. Hawaii had its stressful ones. I was thankful for the quiet on the beach. I'm thankful for the activity in the city. What a broad, diverse, beautiful world we live in. I'm in awe of the One who created it.

The big, floppy, unfelted handbag

So, picture this at 70% of its current size, with the flowers sewn on, the second strap, with more leaves, more colorful flowers, pretty aqua blue contrast stitching, and "feltier." OR, you could just look here at the pattern from which I'm working. Um, but my bag will still be blue & black after I felt it.

I stayed up and (almost) finished this tonight while watching "Bowling for Columbine" (that's a whole other post) when I should have been packing for the eight-day vacation I'm about to take, which will prevent me from actually felting this for a couple of weeks.

North v. South

I found this interview with New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin fascinating. Four years ago, when New York was in the midst of our own national tragedy, Rudy Giuliani -- though incredibly effective in ensuring the city's needs were met -- managed to capitalize on the attention to the point that he is still discussed as a possible presidential nominee for the party of the president who was doling out the aid.

Nagin, on the other hand, will probably not be invited for a photo op at the White House anytime soon. All judgments aside, truly. It's just interesting: things get done a little differently in different parts of the country, I suppose.

Mercy

Photo by Scott Harrison.

Baby set, complete

Thanks to the brilliant pattern designer Julie at Crochet Me for the sweater.

I adapted the hat from a pattern at Lion Brand's website.

I've been reluctant to start a blog, since:
(a) "Everyone's doing it."
(b) I already waste enough time.
(c) The writing on them always seems self-conscious and self-indulgent, both of which I'm currently trying to avoid, and both of which I'm sure I'm falling into.

But, I decided to start one anyway, because:
(a) It seems the easiest way to post photos to share, which will support my crochet addiction. My recent digital camera purchase is another contributing factor.
(b) There's a fine line between "wasting time" and "taking a well-deserved mental break," and my writing job merits the latter.
(c) "Everyone's doing it." Perhaps that indicates that it actually has some value. PERHAPS it will encourage me to write something of interest rather than just read others' comments.

And, so, indeed, it begins. Enjoy.